I am sorry to hear that. I know the emotional cost that my wife and I and our daughter-in-law paid just having my son in Iraq for a year, and he came back safely. I can’t imagine the cost of losing someone that way.

Gail, I am very sorry to hear of your loss! The President is absolutely right! Sending young people to war “is not a game.” Three of my students lost bothers in Iraq. I mean two young men who were twenty one years old and another who was just 20 years. My neighbor lost a son in Afghanistan. I bet you, if Romney’s sons faced the possibility of being sent to war he wouldn’t be so cavalier about starting another war. As for John McCain, who actually experienced the consequences of war, something is terribly wrong with him. Waging wars must never be taken lightly because the outcomes of wars are not only costly in the loss of human lives but they are also unpredictable.

Romney has already dealt with the issue of HIS sons going to war by saying that they are already serving their country by campaigning for him! We average Joes can’t afford to campaign so our sons and daughters are expendable. We can’t afford college? Join the military. It’s so easy for him to advocate war because it’s no skin off his nose. Heck, didn’t he go off to be a ‘missionary’ during his own youth instead of military duty?

By the way, I just read your comment about the Smartypants article. Glad you found it a worthwhile trip. I love the fact that SP very often makes me feel guilty that I haven’t done any ‘scholarly’ reading in aeons, tho not guilty enough for me to do something about it. ;)

“Romney has already dealt with the issue of HIS sons going to war by saying that they are already serving their country by campaigning for him!” You are absolutely right, vcprezofan2! Sorry I totally forgot about this. Sadly, other than the people who visit the TOD blog and read your comments, very few people know, or remember, what Romney said about his sons. Yet, this is the man who is acting so macho about waging war on Iran. With regard to Smartypants article I thought it was excellent. But then again, I really like everything she writes. IMHO, she is, without a doubt, one of the most learned, and the most thoughtful, writers in the blog sphere.

That’s the absolute Truth, Yardarm! For us oldies, we know that what you said is exactly what happened during the Vietnam War! GOP chicken hawks, like Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, and Rush Limbaugh, found away to escape being drafted to be sent to Vietnam. In fact the same is true of a whole host GOP chicken hawks, like VP Dick Cheney!

Oh dear Gail. I’m sorry sorry for your loss. Your family has paid the highest sacrifice. It’s outrageous that some people, especially those in power who haven’t served or don’t know what it’s like to live in a military family toss out talk of war like it’s nothing. We need to remind them everyday of the cost in pain and treasure that cannot be replaced.

so sorry for your loss, gail. the picture above is a grim reminder of who pays the costs of war, and how deadly serious it is. i know there are many of us who felt tears sting our eyes in realizing what we’re seeing there.

We have had a little over 50 at the University precint where I am. Seems like the students here are not enthused or interested in voting for the GOP. We have had to turn some away b/c there are actually registered in another State.

For those that don’t know and might be wondering, That sailor is holding the ‘Purple Heart’ award. The sailor is a submariner which is signified by the strip of metal(dolphins) above his ribbons. His stripes are gold to signify 12 years of continuous service with good conduct. Don’t know what his job is but he is a Petty Officer 1st Class(E-6)……….A ‘Salty Dog’ like me.

Yardarm756, thank you so much for your comments. I always stop and say a prayer when I see a photo of POB going in to award a ‘Purple Heart’. This is such a respectful and formal, scared, and stately moment for me.

Thanks also for your service to the country. My thank you comes from the depths of my heart. POB is so correct when he stated today, “This is not a game.” That is why it pains me when I watch these people who are running for president make the comments ,in my opinion with no regard for the very high price our men and women have to pay.

Yardarm756, may I ask you one question, please. How are the military men and women chosen to assist the POTUS in carrying out the ceremony of the awarding of the ‘Purple Heart.’? HZ

I’m not sure HZ. I only know that all military installations have designated individuals assigned for various ceremonial duties. The people at the WH are also on rotational assisnment but are hand picked from the ranks. You’ll notice everyone is fit and trim and trained to do whatever is necessary in an emergency. I pity the fool that would start something there.

Yardarm756, have I told you lately how much I admire you here. Your spirit is such a beautiful one. Thanks for allowing me to enter into your space with my questions. Your wit makes me smile, and your knowledge makes me want to continue to thrist and seek knowledge on those subjects that I have little knowledge of, especially our military officers and their duties.

I am eagerly waiting to read Retired Sec. of Defense, Robert Gates that are to come out in 2013. He is writing a memoir and one on his philosophy on leadership. I really liked how Sec. Gates shown respect, from where we could observe, so much respect for POB. I have also read some interesting articles where Sec. Gates also spoke very, very highly of POB.

I pray that I can live to see us re-elect POB , gain back the House, get more in the Senate, enjoy POB’s second term, and read his books when he leaves in 2017. Oh, and do not even mention his Presidential Library. Oh, Yardarm756, our TOD Family has a lot to look forward to. And please do not forget our TOD Family Reunion in one of these states. That will be a complete joy. Lets speak it, and let it happen. I do believe.HZ

Bless your heart HZ. I detect a good spirit in you much like the woman at the well. Not unlike you, I’ve been here awhile and seen things I NEVER thought I’d see. But like Dr. King said, “I don’t mind. It doesn’t matter to me now.”It’s gonna be just fine.

I have a question for the person that posted the link to the excerpt from David Corn’s new book telling about how the President dealt with Boehner and Cantor. I think it was Dotster. If anyone knows about that link, could someone post that link again? I couldn’t link to it at the time, or I would have and bookmarked it. I just saw the link. I would so appreciate it if someone knows….thanks.

Woot the local news in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia is reporting extremely low voter turnout..with less than 2 hours until the polls close..predicting less than 10% participation..I passed by “Vote here” signs on the way home..ghost town..I know they wish President Obama was on their team(on the real)..too bad so sad..our guy(PBO) is amazing and I love him !

{waves to PoliticalJunkessa} I live in Chicagoland right now, but spent the last month of the 2008 campaign working Henrico County. What a kick it was turning that corner of the Dishonorable Mr. Cantor’s district blue.

*waves back* :mrgreen: I worked the VCU area during 2008 — can’t believe it’s already time for another Obama election! Exciting times. Thanks for helping work against that odious weasel, Cantor. I’m in his district, much to my chagrin.

Me too PJ. I smell 2012 in the air. All over my college campus I see Obama 2012 car magnets, bumper stickers, t-shirts and a plethora of other paraphernalia on people of different races, gender, and ages. I have a little story to tell. I was in school today and I had to get in line. It was a very long line and I needed to be done with my school related business and get to class. The employee, I believe was new and was having troubles using an apparatus so people got backed up. I was getting kind of mad because I didn’t want to be late for class and then I turned around and this guy had a shirt that just made me grin and forget my impatience. His shirt had a picture of PBO in intense speech mode and it said “Barack-On” and I looked at him, he noticed me looking at his shirt and we just smiled at each other, nodded, and gave each other thumbs up. That moment made the rest of my day. :)

I saw a bunch in Hotlanta when we were driving home to Il. from Fl. last weekend. I’d put the window down every time I spotted one, give the thumbs up, clap my hands, wave, mouth “YAY!” People probably thought I was a Crazy Lady. Sure would be fun to win Georgia.

God, I want to slap Dana Bash of CNN. She was just reporting on the press conference and at the end of her segment she says in a grim tone, “Wolf, none of the president’s many plans to help the housing crisis have worked”. Huh? First off, that statement was a complete non-seguitor – there was no reason that I could see for her to bring that up right then. Second, President Obama didn’t create the frickin housing crisis to begin with AND the Republicans ties his hands on any meaningful legislation to solve it. So what is he suppose to do, buy everyone a house? Bash just had to get that negative spin in at the end because she knew that POTUS’s press conference was a success. I so hate CNN. I hardly ever watch it anymore but I just happened to turn to it. Gee, I wonder whose side they’re on in this election? Oh right, the same side they’re always on, of course.

I love the President so much! I mean, he owned that press conference! Even Joke Scar had to acknowledge that fact, just now on Hardball. As an aside, Nora O’Donnell has a loud infectious laugh, I’m wondering if POTUS’ answer to her about Mittens “Good luck” and a smile, was to get her laughing ? :)

For TOD Twitterers: WTF? My twitter changed to the new platform earlier this year and I was cool with it but then I go to classes this morning, come back home & it’s bloody changed again. Is this so for anyone else?

You know the avatar that appeared on the top right corner of your screen when you opened up tweets & then you clicked on it to “close all tweets.” Well that’s disappeared. The reply, retweet, favorite buttons are no longer on the bottom of the tweets but are now back to the top. To “close all tweets” when you open them, you have to click on “hide all conversations.” That’s just the few I’ve discovered.

(CBS News) President Obama said Tuesday he called the Georgetown law student maligned by radio host Rush Limbaugh because he wants to make sure his two daughters live in a democracy where different views are expressed without debate becoming vile.

“I want them to be able to speak their mind in a civil and thoughtful way,” Mr Obama told reporters when asked about the controversy at his first formal press conference of the year.

“I don’t want them attacked or called horrible names because they’re being good citizens,” Mr. Obama said.

The president said he did not want to judge whether Limbaugh’s apology is sincere, nor did he want to say whether advertisers should continue their flight from his radio program after Limbaugh called Sandra Fluke a “slut” and a “prostitute.”

“I’m not going to comment on what sponsors decide to do. I’m not going to comment on either the economics or the politics of it,” he said. “I don’t know what’s in Rush Limbaugh’s heart, so I’m not going to comment on the sincerity of his apology.”

“What I can comment on is the fact that all decent folks can agree that the remarks that were made don’t have any place in the public discourse,” he said.

At least there were 4 other people at the machines when I went this morning. Compare that with the 12 volunteers at desks taking paperwork, checking IDs and passing out the card keys for the machines.

I sported my Georgia Peach “I’m A Georgia Voter” sticker today at work and you would NOT believe there were people here who didn’t know what it was. Ugh! Goes to show you what kind of uphill battle we have before us. — not just for November, but for the future.

Jovie on March 6, 2012 at 5:35 pm said:
RT @BuzzFeedBen: Steelworkers just endorsed Obama. For all the talk of labor grumbling .. .they’re all on board, and early.—
Ben LaBolt (@BenLaBolt) March 06, 2012

Yeah Baby!!!

Reply ↓
Jovie on March 6, 2012 at 5:38 pm said:
RT @stefcutter: Why Romney and the GOP should be worried about Ohio: The Ohio Enthusiasm Gap in One Chart bit.ly/zpHMEN—
Ben LaBolt (@BenLaBolt) March 06, 2012

Yes, but a lot of funny biz going on there—2 bomb threats at polling stations there, peeps had to be directed to vote elsewhere on paper ballots—–dry run with the bomb threats? And confusion about re-districting, peeps showing up at polling places where they had voted for 26 years believing they could vote in the Kaptur/Kucinich race and found they had to vote elsewhere where a Dem was running unopposed. Also confusion at some polling stations where workers sent people away because they didn’t know what ballot to hand out—–or something that sounded really nutty. Voting reported to be “very light” across the state. Our elections—-dysfunctional—sigh!

TODers,
The Sandra Fluke thing is a big deal. conservative anestheiologist in the hospital that I work in came in this morning and asked me if I knew about Rash? I told them i had heard. Their spouses and them are so upset and feel he should get fired for calling that young woman names. My jaw was on the floor. You have to understand that during ACA they were so unhappy with PBO and talked about socialised medicine. In addition there are not happy with Romney for not disowning Rash and they think he is weak as a leader. They despise Rick and Newt. I have a feeling there not voting in 2012. I do not think there will vote for PBO.
You have no idea how shocking this is. These are not people who pay attention to politics. For them to be this upset tells you winds are shifting for Dems. Just thought I should share,

There was typical low turnout for today’s primary at my precinct in Georgia. It was great being able to select my President’s name on the ballot — good practice for November. :-)

That joy tempered slightly by the fact that there was also a special election to fill a vacant State House seat and the only choice was between two Republicans. We desparately need to put some good local Democrats in office too.

While I’m glad all this is happening to the ‘manatee’, I ponder about the lack of enthusiasm when he made sexual comments about FLOTUS’ butt or “Barack the magic Negro”, etc., etc., etc.
Maybe I’m to sensitive and moving a little too fast, eh?

Midway through the Kennedy Center event to benefit the D.C. College Access Program, Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., was honored by the board for his support of education in the Senate. While Blunt was being introduced, an audience member shouted, “Blunt is the devil.” A tense moment passed without comment before the ceremony continued. As Blunt took the stage, the heckler loudly booed.

Blunt made headlines last month for sponsoring an amendment to the Obama administration’s new contraception coverage rule that would have exempted employers from covering any health care services on moral grounds. The Senate narrowly rejected the amendment last week, 51 to 48. Blunt did not acknowledge the booing.

Just got home from work. Spent 9 hours on my feet meeting great people all day. The funny thing is there are quite a few Ohioans here in Delray Beach on vacation this week. Most of the 20 or so in were all Senior Citizens. I asked if they voted absentee before they came down for vacation. One really sweet woman in a wheel chair looked at me, smiled and HELD HER NOSE at my question. These are southern Ohio people. They are independents but will be voting in the General election for President Obama.

Indeed, you republican lunkheads, war is not a game! School them Mr. Pres.

Okay, never having paid the least attention before, I’m ready for my very first sup(p)er Tuesday. I’ve brought my folding chair and staked out a cozy spot so feel free to share your views on this turtle….oops!…horse race anytime you are all ready. ;) VC

Well, I read the part posted,and I KNOW I’ll buy the book!!! Thank you.

One thing about these primaries today and voting problems…..this is a good test run for voting officials. They have eight months to work on these situations and get them right. They obviously needed today.

Chips, I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you and all that you do every single day to make this a place to come to and exchange our thoughts about those issues that will give support to POB and his Administration. Our topics of interests cover a wide range of points that I hope will continue to support POB and lift up to the world how important his Presidency has been and will continue to be as we go into our mode of his re-election.

Yes, the work will be hard, and we will have our bumps along the way, but because of what you give to us each day, I feel this great gift will help us stand together and keep each other’s back and and above all keep POB’s back.

He again today made me so proud of being a part of his election in 2008, and he gave me continued hope in what we must do and will deliver for him and this nation and the world, for that matter, again in 2012.

So again, thank you our dear beloved, Chipsticks for the many hours that you spend making this TOD Family a respectful one who supports a great President, Barack H. Obama. What a beautiful gift we have in both of you. May God bless you and your family as well.